2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1971 Volvo 140
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volvo 140. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volvo 140 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volvo 140 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1971 Volvo 140. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Volvo 140. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 411 kg more than 1971 Volvo 140. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (171 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volvo 140. (157 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volvo 140.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1971 Volvo 140 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 140 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2610 mm |
